Overview
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Cooperatives are key drivers of grassroots development, addressing local challenges and fostering resilience. In Kenya, cooperatives contribute 45% to GDP, mobilize KES 250 billion in savings, and create employment for over 2 million people.
Introduction
As we approach the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, this programme empowers leaders to scale their impact and align with global development goals.
The CBOs & Cooperatives Executive Programme is a five-day course designed to equip leaders with practical skills in leadership, resource management, and strategic planning. With expert facilitation, a field visit, and personalized coaching, participants will learn to drive sustainable solutions, build partnerships, and create lasting impact in their communities.
Programme Objectives
This programme aims to:
- Develop Leadership Capacity: Empower CBO and cooperative leaders with advanced management and leadership skills.
- Enhance Financial Resilience: Equip leaders with strategies for sustainable resource mobilization and financial management.
- Strengthen Organizational Impact: Provide tools to help leaders scale their organizations and amplify their impact on local communities.
- Build Strategic Alliances: Foster collaboration and partnership development to increase resource-sharing and collective success.
- Promote Ethical Governance: Encourage transparent, ethical decision-making and responsible governance within organizations.
Target Participants
The programme is highly recommended for (but not limited to:)
- CBO Leaders & Members: Individuals leading or part of community-based organizations.
- Cooperative Leaders & Managers: Those managing or leading cooperatives at the grassroots level.
- Local Development Practitioners: Professionals engaged in community-driven development.
- Government & Local Authorities: Officials supporting local development initiatives.
- Donors & Development Partners: Funders looking to support grassroots initiatives effectively.
- Network Builders: Those focused on creating partnerships and collaborative networks for community impact.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, participants should be able to:
- Lead Effectively: Apply leadership skills to drive organizational growth and navigate complex challenges.
- Manage Resources Efficiently: Implement effective financial management systems and mobilize resources for long-term sustainability.
- Form Strategic Partnerships: Identify and build successful partnerships with stakeholders to enhance collaborative impact.
- Plan for Growth: Develop and apply strategies for scaling their operations, including tools for monitoring and evaluation.
- Govern Ethically: Incorporate best practices in ethical governance, ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization.
- Leverage Coaching for Success: Utilize coaching sessions to refine and implement their action plans effectively, ensuring real-world impact.
Programme Benefits
Upon completion, participants will:
- Gain Practical Tools: Learn strategies for improving financial management, resource mobilization, and community engagement.
- Build Sustainable Solutions: Understand how to design locally-led, HDPN-aligned initiatives.
- Create Strong Partnerships: Develop the skills to build trust and form effective collaborations with key stakeholders.
- Enhance Learning & Resilience: Participate in peer learning, data-driven decision-making, and resilience-building activities.
- Ensure Long-Term Impact: Apply learned skills and strategies to refine their leadership, ensuring sustainable community development.
Programme Delivery
The course uses interactive sessions, real-life cases, group discussions, individual exercises, and team-based exercises based on experiential learning. It will be delivered by management experts (both academics and practitioners).
- Day 1: Empowering Communities – Learn about ethical community engagement and community-centered solutions.
- Day 2: Resource Management & Mobilization – Focus on fundraising, financial management, and stakeholder communication.
- Day 3: Building Strong Alliances – Develop strategic partnerships and learn market-driven growth techniques.
- Day 4: Scaling for Impact – Learn tools for strategic planning, monitoring, and feedback loops to strengthen outcomes.
- Day 5: Field Visit – Immerse yourself in the practical workings of local CBOs and cooperatives for hands-on learning.
The mode of delivery is In-Person at the SBS Campus.
Programme Structure
- Duration: One week (starting April/May 2025).
- Format: Four in-person days at SBS Nairobi, plus a one-day field visit.
- Coaching: 3-5 personalized coaching sessions per participant.
- Language: English.
- Certification: Certificate awarded upon successful completion.
Faculty
To address the need for practical hands-on learning the course will be taught by a mix of industry practitioners and highly qualified faculty.
Our faculty members bring a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to the programme, ensuring that participants receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education.
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Key Details
Date: TBC
Cost: TBC
Mode: Physical
For more information on the programme, write to Kenneth on eeopenprograms@strathmore.edu / ktoroitich@strathmore.edu or
call +254 725 633 211 (Tel).